Heliotrope Flowers: A Symbol of Eternal Love and Energy

Heliotrope, the cherry pie plant, has been a popular cottage garden flower since the Victorian era. The blossoms are prized for their delicious fragrance, perfuming the air with the scent of vanilla and, as the plant’s nickname suggests, fresh-baked pie. In the language of flowers, heliotrope symbolizes devotion and eternal love. Here we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the rich history and meaning of heliotrope flowers.

Etymological Meaning

The name ” heliotrope” comes from the Greek words for sun, helios, and turn, trepein. It refers to the flowers’ tendency to turn toward the sun throughout the day.

Another common name for the flowers, the Middle English “turnsole,” also means to turn toward the sun.

Heliotrope Flower Meaning & Symbolism

Heliotrope flowers most commonly bloom in shades of purple. However, blossoms may also be blue, white, or pink. In the language of flowers, heliotrope is traditionally symbolic of eternal love and devotion.

Cultural Significance

The symbolism behind heliotrope began with a Greek myth. The water nymph Clytie was in love with the sun god, Helios. Unfortunately for Clytie, he wasn’t that into her and left her for another.

The heartbroken Clytie pined for Helios, sitting in one place and turning only her head to watch his chariot travel across the sky daily. Eventually, she wasted away, and Helios transformed her into a flower.

The heliotrope turns its “face” to follow the sun’s path, just as Clytie once did. Thus, to the Victorians, the heliotrope was a sign of devotion and eternal love.

The story has also been told and retold in poetry and art through the centuries, in works such as Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Elizabeth Colomba’s paintings, and sculpture by George Frederic Watts.

Suitable Gifting Occasions

Heliotrope is a lovely floral gift for almost any event. Its brilliant color and luscious scent make it perfect for birthdays, get-wells, congratulations, and other occasions. Heliotrope is an appropriate flower for weddings, anniversaries, and romantic gestures, too, as it symbolizes love and devotion.

The flowers can be given in bouquets or arrangements. It’s also an excellent choice for decorative pots or container gardens.

Wrap-up

Heliotropes contribute delicious fragrance and colorful blossoms to the garden landscape. Thanks to their rich symbolism, these lovely flowers make meaningful gifts for family and loved ones.